Customer Reviews:
 Best dog book I've ever read November 12, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This was the first book I read when my family began considering getting a dog, and I'm so glad it was. The main focus is on how dogs and humans communicate (and mis-communicate) with each other. But it also contains useful suggestions on dog training, a clear explanation of how positive reinforcement works, and a whole lot of charming and moving dog stories. The author clearly loves and respects dogs, and I get the sense that she likes people pretty well too. She's someone I'd like to have lunch with (maybe a picnic on the farm with the dogs playing around us!). Since that's not likely anytime soon, I'll have to settle for reading her extremely well-written, enjoyable, and informative books instead.
Incredibly insightful and thought provoking ! ! ! October 25, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
Let me begin by saying, I'm not an animal behaviorist, nor do I feel qualified to agree or disagree with everything in the book... I will say this though, when McConnell gives you a bit of food for thought, and you work with it, you really realize how great her books are. - - Though not an instructional manual, I often find myself putting her books down and trying out ome of the ideas, and saying, "Wow, she's right! I never thought of it like that!" - - as to what her key point is, its simple: We people are primates, and we have an instinctively different way of talking with our body than canines... in many ways the opposite... As a result, often we send messages to our dogs that we don't mean to, while misinterpreting the one's they send to us. Dogs, both fortunately and unfortunately are masters at reading body language and as a result we drive them nuts, as well as are driven nuts... for example when we say "come!" with our mouth, but with our bodies say "run away from me!" - - We even try to express our love to our dogs using gestures that dogs use to tell other dogs, "Submit or put up a fight!" - - (Hence the phenomena of the normally friendly German Shepard who suddenly snaps right at a kid's face.)
Using her distinct style of writing which combines academic experience and anecdotal experience with the loves of her live (Lassie and Cool Hand Luke), Patricia McConnell really does bring to life the mystery of human dog communication... and does it in an interesting way: but getting US to observe our own body language...
In the end, even if you are one of those people who are enlightened enough to realize that dogs are dogs, not people... after reading this book you will probably look at yourself and your dog VERY differently ! MUST HAVE READING !
P.S. Since reading McConnell's books, I can get my 5 month pup to come when called almost EVERY time no matter how distracted he is... - - not bad for two books that DON'T claim to be training manuals!
Excellent book! October 10, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book was a truly great source if you are looking to understand the behavior of your dog better. It is not a training manual, but there are things that dog owners and potential dog owners can learn from the information in the book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in dogs!
This book is really great! October 5, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I just finished reading this book and I have to say, I loved it! The tone of the author is personable and not at all condescending. She has some fascinating ideas about primates and canids and uses amazing sources to back them up. This is not a training manual. I see it as more as a guide to dog and interspecies behavior that should accompany a training book and some real life classes. I highly recommend this book!
A Must Read for all dog owners September 26, 2007
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
"The Other End of the Leash" is facinating reading for dog owners as well as non-owners. Easy reading and lots of eye opening facts about why dogs act like they do.
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